It’s finally here, Welcome 2025. We’re really excited to welcome you to - or back to - this wonderful place we call home, and we’ve got lots planned to help you settle in.
We host more than 700 events, so there's something happening all the time.
It's a rolling, high-energy mix of pop-up performances, socials, fairs, chill spaces, big nights out (or quiet nights in), tours, volunteering opportunities, and so much more. Two events you can't miss are Welcome Festival (Monday 15 - Sunday 28 September in Gordon's Square, Bloomsbury) and Welcome Fair (Thursday 25 September at UCL East Marshgate).
Our Students' Union venues will be PACKED with activity too, so make sure you don't miss what we have in store across these hidden gems (check out the Huntley, Phineas, and Mully's bars for a whole load of fun and activity).
There’s so much to experience, so to make it simple, we've broken it all down for you on this page.
Welcome Fest, Gordon's Square, Bloomsbury (15-28 September)
Welcome Fest is a free celebration running in Gordon's Square, Bloomsbury, and it's your ultimate introduction to student life at UCL. At Welcome Fest, we'll have something for everyone - whether you're into sports, arts, music, food, or sustainability, there's so much to discover. Find all Welcome events here.
Activity kicks off at Welcome Fest on Monday 15 September for International Welcome Week, with events created to help you settle in, make friends, and feel at home from day one. Find out more about International Welcome events here.
During 22 - 28 October, we'll take the festival to a whole new level with more tasters, demo's, performances and, live-music.
Areas of Welcome Fest in Gordon's Square:
- Main Stage
- Big Marquee
- The Hangout
- Food and Drink area
- The Pavillion
Here's what we recommend you do across the busiest week of Welcome Fest:
Monday 22 September
Celebrate our global community with our cultural societies taking the Main Stage to perform and show you what UCL is all about. We're bursting with cultural diversity, and this day in particular reflects just that. Catch performances from our talented students from artsUCL (shout-out to Jazz Society!) and let our shows carry you through the festival.
Headlining: Cultural Societies Fair, Big Marquee.
Can't miss: Live music on the Main stage every day of the week 12:00 to 14:00
Explore: Demo's and tasters in the Pavillion 14:00 to 15:00
Cult classic: Quiz Night Hosted by Mully's in the Big Marquee 18:00 to 20:00
Tuesday 23 September
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of the arts as artsUCL's headline Gordon Square with a day full of performances from Drama Society, Musical Theatre Society, K-POP Society, and more. We'll have stalls with societies at the arts societies fair, covering all manners of creative pursuits, from graphic novel creation to stand-up comedy classe's so you'll have a chance to chat to them and understand what makes UCL the creative hub it is. And if you're feeling as energetic as our arts community, you'll have the chance to get moving at our mass participation work-out or better yet, dance the night away at our Silent Disco.
Headlining: artsUCL Fair in the Big Marquee, 10:00 to 15:00
Must-dos: Night of Play in the Big Marquee, 18:00 to 22:00
Can't miss: Demo's and tasters from TeamUCL in The Pavillion, 14:00 to 16:00
Explore: Niche societies Meet and Greet, The Big Marquee, 16:00 -17:30
Wildcard: ArtsUnlocked Just Vibes in The Pavillion, 16:00 - 16:45
Wednesday 24 September
TeamUCL headlining Gordon's Square is something you cannot miss. Try your hand at judo, get lifted up by our cheerleading team, or make your own smoothie with Project Active's bike-powered blender. TeamUCL Gym, your on-campus gym, will also be showing off their space with free pilates and dance fit tasters. Finish the day off in true UCL student fashion with Sports Night at Scala.
Headlining: TeamUCL Fair in the Big Marquee, 10:00 to 15:00.
Must-dos: Student Media meet-greet in The big Marquee, 16:00 to 17:30.
Can't miss: TeamUCL tasters all day and performances on the Main Stage
Wildcard: Arts Lates in The Pavillion, 18:00 to 18:45
BONUS: Print Room Cafe Re-opening with first 100 customers getting free cupcakes (Head to Print Room Cafe)
Thursday 25 September
While most people are heading to the Welcome Fair at UCL East, Welcome Fest will bring you stallholders from across UCL who will help you navigate your time here and settle in.
Head to The Pavillion 10:00 - 15:00 to meet:
Grand Challenges Team
Museums across Bloomsbury
Voter Registration
Student Recruitment Team - Student Ambassadors Scheme
Student Support and Wellbeing Services
UCL School of Management
UCL Innovation & Enterprise
Cube
Welcome Fair at UCL East Marshgate Thursday 25 September
It’s the big one. Last year, 15,000 students flocked to the Welcome Fair to learn about the Students' Union, meet clubs and societies, catch live performances, and stock up on free books, skincare, T-shirts, plants, and tote bags. It's always one of the highlights of the year, let alone the week! But with more than 200 stalls to visit, it's a pretty major affair. Check out our sports. Meet our societies. Learn about the arts. Or just collect enough freebies to live off for a week. Check out our handy guide to help you navigate Welcome Fair.
You’ll be able to book your free ticket from Tuesday 16 September.
Friday 26 September
Head into the weekend discovering more from our clubs and societies, getting to know the iconic area of Camden, and seeing what jobs are out there at our part-time jobs fair, all kicking off in Gordon Square.
Headlining: Part-time jobs fair in The Big Marquee, 10:00 to 15:00
Must do's: artsUnlocked Community Choir in The Pavillion 14:00 to 15:00
Can't miss: K-Pop RPD (Random Play Dance) on The Main Stage 16:00 to 18:00
Explore: Discover London Walk to Camden (Meet in Big Marquee) 13:00 to 17:00
Wildcard: Self Defence in the Pavillion 18:00 to 19:00
Saturday 27 September and Sunday 28th September
Head to Gordon Square for tasters all day with societies, where you can test and trial a new potential hobby or skill. This day is full of endless opportunities to try something new. Watch this space for updates from our societies.
Nightlife
Your all-access pass to the biggest nightlife events! The only official nightlife wristband in partnership with your Students' Union and Milkshake. See the full lineup and get your wristband before they sell out!